Dr. Evans' Message
September, 2010

Positive Outlook for a New School Year

Greetings,

Welcome to the 2010/2011 school year. I hope you enjoyed your summer and return energized to continue working toward the four priorities we set forth to accomplish in our five year “Bright Futures” District Strategic Plan:

Effective Academic Programs

Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools

Family and Community Engagement

Efficient and Responsive Operations

Currently, we have invested considerable time and energy, and have already made great progress on several of these goals including:

Healthy School Cultures – Created Paterson Effective Schools’ initiative to change the culture in the district schools and the district office; partnered with City Council, School Board, and the Mayor’s Office on citywide initiatives to reduce violence.

High School Renewal Initiative – Restructured Eastside High School; assembled steering committee to suggest school improvement strategies for the district’s high schools.

Family & Community Engagement – Held community forums throughout the district; established a district level PTA/PTO Council of Presidents that meets with the Superintendent monthly.

Community Schools – Established an initiative to provide essential community services such as health, social, and recreation services, within our schools. For fall 2010, School 5 will open as a community school.

Now, as we begin this school year, our top priority is to remain focused on improving student achievement and customer service throughout the school district. The district staff must strive to maximize our effectiveness and improve our responsiveness in order to realize our goals.

It is important that we work together to ensure that the students who enter our schools each and every day have the opportunity to learn and to thrive. It was certainly a great honor when one of the schools in our district, Rosa Parks High School, was recognized by U.S. News & World Report, as one of the nation’s best high schools. We should have high expectations for all students and need to offer a rigorous, challenging curriculum throughout the district. Then, as we work toward accomplishing the priorities outlined in our strategic plan, we can expect to see many of our schools, our faculty, and our students being recognized in this same manner.

I am proud of what we have already achieved, and enthusiastic about the tremendous possibilities ahead. Although it may seem lofty, our vision to be a leader in educating New Jersey’s urban youth is well within reach.

Let’s work together to make Paterson Public Schools a wonderful place to learn.